Apply to be a First Steps Kent Parent Leader!

First Steps Kent is dedicated to involving parents with young children in shaping programs and initiatives that ensure resources are invested wisely and equitably. Each role includes a $35/hour stipend for time spent attending meetings and fulfilling responsibilities. Apply using this online form.

Diversity and Inclusion: First Steps Kent is committed to creating a culture in which all individuals feel supported and recognized. First Steps Kent parent leaders will include representatives, reflecting Kent County’s rich diversity, and include parents and caregivers of different ethnicities, races, religions, sexual identities, and/or genders.

RPRB is also accepting applications for volunteer community members. Learn more about that opportunity here.

2026 OPPORTUNITY: Resident Proposal Review Board

About the position: Kent County has a voter-approved millage dedicated to funding community-based early childhood programs. The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage generates more than $8 million annually. The Ready by Five Resident Proposal Review Board (RPRB) is responsible for reviewing funding requests, making recommendations on funding levels, and monitoring investments to maximize impact.

Commitment

  • The term is for one year, starting in April 2026, with the potential for a second-year extension.
  • Time Requirement: Meeting dates and times are included below and will require meeting during and after business hours. This commitment will generally not exceed 120 hours per year.

Requirements

  • Be a Kent County resident.
  • Be a parent or primary caregiver of at least one child from birth to age eight, with a strong preference for those with recent experience in the birth–five years.
  • Preference for fathers or male-identifying caregivers to ensure father voice is centered in early childhood funding decisions.
  • Have lived experience navigating early childhood systems in Kent County (e.g., child care, preschool, home visiting, Early On/early intervention, pediatric care, WIC, or family support programs), and the ability to draw on personal experience while also considering the needs of families whose identities, cultures, or circumstances may differ from their own.
  • Commitment to reviewing proposals through an equity lens, with attention to racial, geographic, linguistic, and income inequities in access to services.
  • Ability to review materials independently and participate fully in the proposal review process, including completing scoring in advance, engaging in respectful group discussion, asking thoughtful questions, providing constructive feedback, and working toward consensus.
  • Willingness to complete required orientation or training, conflict of interest and confidentiality forms, and to follow the Resident Proposal Review Board’s outlined processes.
  • Must not be currently employed by, or serve on the board of, an organization applying for Ready by Five funding, or be willing to recuse from voting when needed.
  • Access to reliable technology (e.g., computer, email, and internet). Assistance may be available if needed or requested.

What it looks like to be a RPRB Member:

  • To prepare board members, the RPRB convenes two orientations. During this time, the group learns what is required for proposals to be funded and how to score all funding request proposals. Orientation dates for 2026: Wednesday, April 15 from 3-5 p.m. and Friday, May 1 from 10 a.m. – noon.
  • Proposals are distributed to each board member with scoring materials and directions. This will arrive around May 18, 2026.
  • Each member reviews all assigned proposals and submits initial scores and any questions about the proposals through an online score sheet. The number of proposals can vary depending on the year, in a typical year it takes about 40 hours to review and score all proposals. Deadline to submit online scores and feedback around June 1, 2026.
  • The full RPRB meets for 3 days to discuss how all members scored each proposal. During these meetings, the RPRB comes to a decision about what proposal should be funded and how much they should receive. Meeting dates for 2026 RPRB: June 8-10.
  • Access to reliable technology (phone, email, computer, and internet) for communication and attending virtual meetings is needed for this position. First Steps Kent may be able to provide assistance in some situations. Please explain in your application if you wish to serve in this role but are unable to because you do not have access to technology.   

How to Apply: Complete this online application by Friday, March 27, 2026.

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